TN1310

Technical note

FAQ ESD protection

Introduction
This document contains a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on ESD protection components. Our EMC expert replied to
these questions during EMC – system immunity against electrostatic discharges webinar.

TN1310 - Rev 3 - March 2022 www.st.com

For further information contact your local STMicroelectronics sales office.
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FAQ and answers

1 FAQ and answers

1.1 What is ESD protection?

ESD stands for electrostatic discharge. ESD is defined by the ESD association as "the rapid, spontaneous
transfer of electrostatic charge induced by a high electrostatic field".
It is the result of static electricity discharge. Static electricity is the collection of electrically charged particles on the
surface of a material.
Various materials have a tendency of either:
• Giving up electrons and gaining positive (+) charges
• Attracting electrons and gaining negative (-) charges
Electrostatic discharge will cause potential failure on the integrated circuits of your PCB.
These failures are called electrical over stress (EOS), resulting in silicon melting, oxide punch-through, junction
damage, metallization damage or degradation affecting the long-term reliability of your electronic system.
A survey from the EOS industry council shows that 30% of customer claims are due to ESD or EOS (electrical
over stress). Furthermore, the miniaturization of the components is increasing the integrated circuits sensitivity to
ESD.

1.2 Where can I get more information about eye diagram integrity?
Eye diagram information is defined by standards like USB, HDMI etc.
The ESD protection device compliancy with eye diagram is specified in the related datasheet, for example in
HSP051-4M10.

1.3 What about other USB requirements related to ESD? ("TD 4.1.2 " or "TD
4.12.2")
Eye diagrams can be negatively impacted by wrong ESD protection selection. An extremely high capacitance
ESD protection may cause the eye diagram test to fail.
On the other hand requirements like attach / detach requirements (more functional) cannot be impacted by the
ESD protection because ESD protection is transparent (high impedance and low capacitance in parallel with
datalines) in normal operation.
TD 4.1.2 is related to USB Type-C test for Rp that must not be present for source application when source is OFF.
ESD protection will be transparent in this test.
TD 4.12.2 is related to USB Type-C test checking if there is only one upstream port in a hub port device.

1.4 How to select the VCL? (what is the maximum transient voltage accepted by my
circuit and if I can assume the maximum absolute voltage of my ICs or is there
a better approach to follow?)
The absolute maximum rating (AMR) voltage value is not relevant because it is a DC measured voltage and not
measured for a transient voltage, hence an intrinsically pessimistic value (AMR value is too low).
In the presented example the AMR value is too low, AMR = 5.5 V while the ESD destruction value is 12 V.
The best approach to select the VCL is to apply the SEED methodology described in our ESD Webinar.
If any TLP information is available for the IC to be protected, the lower VCL will ensure the better protection.

1.5 Which ST specific part do you recommend to protect the RF port of a

transceiver working at 868 MHz with 14 dBm output power? (it must have very
low capacitance and low clampling voltage)
14 dBm corresponds to 1.6 V max on 50 Ω load. As a consequence, ESDARF02-1BU2CK matches the
requirement at 868 MHz (no RF losses, VMAX < VRM and bi-directionnal for RF signaling).

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What about protecting a power line? (VBUS in USB on slide 37 of our expert webinar)

1.6 What about protecting a power line? (VBUS in USB on slide 37 of our expert
webinar)
Power lines require high current capability surge protection because lightning and switching transients are
present on these lines (cf IEC61000-4-5) as well as some functional events generating inrush currents (full-load
unplugged, adapter failure, etc). STMicroelectronics protection device against IEC61000-4-5 surges are available
here.

1.7 Which part do you recommend for protecting 12 V DC outputs?

ESDA15P60-1U1M fits 12 V DC outputs protection for both ESD (IEC61000-4-2) and switching transients (cf
IEC61000-4-5).

1.8 Which ESD protection component do you recommend when differential current
measurement is used ?
The original question during the webinar was: "My design is analogic measurement current in an isolated high
tension (25 kV) system. Sometimes, we have breakdowns, and we have damage (aop 1st stage AD4610 or a
voltage regulator (+5 V or -15 V or +15 V). I tried to insert protective components without performance loss. I
measured 5 nA current and some TVS diodes have leakage current 1 or 10 or 100 nA. Any useful reference in
future can be test", it might be differential measurement.
For that specific case, 2 ESD protections on common mode may be better than a single ESD protection in
differential. We recommend ESDZV5H-1BU2 for +/-5 V and ESDLC20-1BF4 for +/-20 V.

1.9 Do we need ESD for the RS-485 transceivers or is it included?

Check the ESD specification for your RS-485 transceiver: if it is only rated per HBM, then system-level ESD is
needed (IEC61000-4-2). To protect RS485 transceiver, ESDA14V2BP6 is recommended.
Please check schematic in figure "ESD14V2BP6 protection device schematic" in AN5245.
ST485 transceiver can be split in 2 families:
• with system ESD protection (ST485E series)
• without system ESD protection (ST485 series)
When ST485E series cannot be placed close to the ESD source, it is required to use external ESD protections
in order to avoid any EMI coupling with internal PCB tracks. EMI coupling induced by ESD can generate latch-up
failures in your system.

1.10 Do I need additional ESD protection if I use digital isolators for I/Os (like
Si86xx)?
Yes, this specific product requires an external ESD protection. For 1 Mbps signal with 5.5 V AMR, we recommend
USBLC6-2SC6 or USBLC6-4SC6 according to the number of lines to be protected.

1.11 Can I use the circuits for PSpice simulations and real test setups or is
something missing (ST webinar p.11)?
Yes, it is a simplified but functional schematic. Real schematic is more complex with serial inductors.

1.12 Is the track on the PCB from the ESD source to the ESD protection device rated
for the ESD maximum discharge current defined by the ESD level required?
The track maximum DC current is not critical due to the ESD event duration (≈100 ns).

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Have ST all PSpice models of their porfolio?

1.13 Have ST all PSpice models of their porfolio?

You can find ST PSpice ESD protection models under SPICE models.

1.14 How do you connect the shield of the connector to the PCB?
We usually connect it to the GND of the system.

1.15 Should we connect ESD protection ground to 0 V or GND?

ESD protection ground must be connected to the reference GND plane of the protected I/O to limit or avoid any
parasitic inductance effect due to multiple ground planes connection.

1.16 Where is the current going on slide 17 of our EMC expert webinar?
The current is flowing to the ground.

1.17 Is it really necessary to provide external ESD protection in case of no ESD

protection for GPIO pins of a microcontroller built in?
It is only necessary to protect GPIO exposed to system-level ESD (connector, button) otherwise embedded HBM
is enough.

1.18 Can you explain why ESD protection is needed with a USB-C connector housed
in a plastic case? Because of the shield ground all around the USB contacts
(VBUS and signals) it is impossible to touch contacts directly with a finger.
ESD cannot be assimilated to simple conduction thought a metal track, it is a charge equilibrium between 2
systems. As a consequence, airdischarge can appear and non-conductive materials can let the charge flow (e.g.
side key buttons on smartphone need to be protected).

1.19 Are there other types of ESD protection without using TVS?
Other type of ESD protection can be : MOV, polymer and PCB spark gap. All of them present very high clamping
voltage and reliability issues that are not compatible with ESD protection of sensitive ICs.

1.20 When the use of TVS is not enough for protection (for example when voltage
or current is exceeded), do you recommend serial resistor or other type of
components?
Adding a serial resistor can be recommended because it will decrease the clamping voltage on protected IC I/O.
But for some interfaces, adding a serial resistor may exceed the line impedance specified in the standard or
decrease the bandwidth.

1.21 Can TVS diode and Zener diode be in parallel (Zener to protect from DC
overvoltage and TVS to protect from transients)?
TVS protects against transient over-voltage while Zener is for voltage regulation, because not rated against
surges nor over-voltages. To protect against DC over-voltage, an over-voltage protection (OVP) is required. OVP
and TVS can be used together with TVS maximum clamping voltage slightly below OVP AMR.

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Are there any easier rules to apply to choose the key parameters?

1.22 Are there any easier rules to apply to choose the key parameters?
Secure margin between AMR and maximum ESD clamping voltage before destruction can be very scattered.
To select the best ESD protection, bandwidth must not be over-sized, VRM must be just slightly higher than line
voltage in order to lower the clamping voltage.

1.23 Regarding on the question about protecting a IO power line (slide 37), the
decoupling capacitor also lowers the voltage when a charge is injected, but are
there specific requirements for this capacitor?
On power line, capacitor are selected to fit power requirement. The capacitor rated voltage must be higher than
the clamping voltage of the TVS to avoid capacitor degradation or destruction when surge event occurs.

1.24 If I choose for the next version the ESDLIN1524BJ close to input current, can I
place it at power inputs also to protect voltage regulators?
Power inputs are usually protected using TVS rather than ESD protection components.
Automotive TVS portfolio is available here.
Industrial TVS portfolio is available here.

1.25 Is there any protection related to LEDs?

Standard ESD protection (ESD051-1BF4) can be used for LED protection. Bidirectional protection is
recommended to test LED mounted on reverse.

1.26 What affordable and cheap ESD gun can you recommend?
We use Teseq ESD gun. We do not have any ESD gun benchmark.

1.27 What would you recommend for clothing when handling ESD sensitive
devices?
In an ESD-controlled environment, a conductive lab coat with ESD wrist connected to the ground are
recommended.

1.28 In terms of ESD certification of an electronic circuit board, can you recommend
a provider of this service in France?
EMITECH is a French Lab.

1.29 Can you tell something about protection during soldering (ie: solder connector
wires to a board)?
During soldering (connector as example), only HBM is relevant but the environment must be under control
(operator with wrist connected to ground, solder iron connected to ground).

1.30 How do you protect multiple MCU pins that do not go outside the PCB and is it
necessary? (boards can be completely damaged from accidental touching of a
PCB pad)
PINs that do not go outside the PCB do not require specific ESD protection but special care is mandatory for
handling (conductive lab coat with ESD wrist connected to the ground).

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Is it possible to expose my problem with an application engineer in next days?

1.31 Is it possible to expose my problem with an application engineer in next days?

Feel free to reach us via our local support: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/support/support-home.html.

1.32 How do you measure ESD signals? Do you use scopes?

We use a high bandwidth, high sample rate oscilloscope on 50Ω with 40dB external input attenuation. See
STMicroelectronics AN3353.

1.33 Can I use a Zener diode to clamp an ESD over-voltage?

A Zener diode is used for voltage regulation under DC-current condition but neither their silicon nor their package
is rated for transient surge dissipation.
Only ESD or transient voltage suppressor (TVS) specify the transient surge they can dissipate.

1.34 Is a 30 kV ESD diode better for protection?

The best parameter to qualify the efficiency of an ESD protection is the clamping voltage because if your 30 kV
ESD diode has a poor clamping voltage it means your application will be more sensitive to transient voltages.
ESD robustness higher than 8 kV has to be taken into account only if your application requires it like in
automotive standard ISO10605.

1.35 How can I select the ESD protection based on my IC electrical parameters?
Because TLP data are not specified by ICs suppliers, you can only rely on the VRM of the line to be protected to
select your ESD protection. In this case the clamping voltage after an 8 kV ESD contact discharge can help you to
compare ESD protection efficiency.

1.36 I need to populate different interfaces with ESD protection, can I use the same
ESD protection for all these interfaces?
Yes, but keep in mind that each interface has its own requirement. For example you may choose a low
capacitance ESD in a 2-line package to protect Dplus and Dminus pins of an USB connector in order to keep
the best signal integrity on these datalines whereas you may choose a single line ESD protection with high
capacitance for a touch button to lower signal bouncing.

1.37 Is external ESD protection needed for CDM (charged device model)?
No, ESD protection according to CDM is granted for all ICs because it is related to component level protection like
HBM.

1.38 What is exactly the VRM parameter of an ESD protection and what is it good
for?
VRM is the maximal operating voltage of the protection to ensure a good transparency of the application
voltage signal in the normal operation. The VRM of the ESD protection must be higher than the normal signal
voltage amplitude. If the signal is negative and positive, the protection must be bi-directional to avoid rectifier
phenomenon. If the signal to be protected is only positive, an unidirectional protection is preferred. Along with the
VRM voltage there is also the protection current leakage parameter called IRM. A too high leakage current can
affect the system overall consumption but it can also change a data line voltage. Usually, the leakage current is
below 1 µA at VRM (ESDZV5 has IRM e.g. at 100 nA maximum).

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What does is meant with snap-back ESD protection?

1.39 What does is meant with snap-back ESD protection?

Standard ESD protections activate at breakdown voltage (called VBR) and their voltage increases with the current
linearly to clamping voltage. The snap-back protection instead has a snap-back effect which means that it lowers
its clamping voltage after the protection is triggered. The holding voltage (VH) is the lowest voltage when the
snap-back protection has turnedon. The lower is the holding voltage, the better is the clamping voltage.
The figures below show on the left the I/V characteristics of a standard ESD protection and on the right the I/V
characteristics of a snapback ESD protection.

Figure 1. Electrical characteristics (definitions, standard Figure 2. Electrical characteristics (definitions, snapback
ESD protection) ESD protection)

I
Ipp
Symbol Parameter Symbol Parameter
VBR RD
= Breakdown voltage VTrig Trigger voltage
=
IR = Breakdown current VCL Clamping voltage
= VRM
VCL = Clamping voltage IRM Leakage current @V RM VCL VTrig VH
= V
IRM = Leakage current at V RM IRM
VRM = Stand-off voltage
VRM = Stand-off voltage
IPP = Peak pulse current I IPP = Peak pulse current
RD = Dynamic resistance V RD = Dynamic resistance
VH = Holding voltage
IPP
CLINE = Input capacitance per line

1.40 How can we calculate the ESD protection level?

The resistor is always part of a system which has some specific characteristic. E.g. Operating voltage. In order to
protect the system, your have to place a system level ESD protection with appropriate voltage linked to Vrm on the
weak point from where the ESD impact can come. This way you will also protect your resistor which have typical
nominal voltage from 25 V to 100 V;

1.41 I am designing proximity sensor for the factory automation applications

compliant with EN 60947-5-2 standard. The proximity sensor is classic 3 wire
design and I am searching for transient and overvoltage protection compact
solution. Is there anything from ST ?
In ST we are focusing on factory automation applications in general and so also on sensors specifically. For
example we have specific ICs to support the IO-Link sensor communication on the sensor slave side as well as
on the IO-Link master side.
To protect 3 wire proximity sensors we propose a protection device called SPT01-335 which can protect 24 V
proximity sensors. It implements the reverse polarity and the overvoltage protection of the sensor power supply
and also this device integrates the power switch overvoltage protection in a small QFN 3x3 mms in size.

1.42 Is an external ESD protection is needed for CDM (Charged Device Model)?
No, ESD protection according to CDM is granted for all IC because it is related to component level protection like
HBM.

1.43 Are there other types of ESD protection without using TVS?
Other type of ESD protection can be : MOV, polymer and PCB spark gap. All of them present very high clamping
voltage and reliability issues that are not compatible with ESD protection of sensitive ICs.

TN1310 - Rev 3 page 7/11

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Revision history

Table 1. Document revision history

Date Revision Changes

24-Jan-2020 1 First issue.

08-Dec-2020 2 Added Section 1.40, Section 1.41, Section 1.42 and Section 1.43.
01-Mar-2022 3 Updated link in cover page.

TN1310 - Rev 3 page 8/11

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Contents

Contents
1 FAQ and answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
1.1 What is ESD protection? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Where can I get more information about eye diagram integrity?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 What about other USB requirements related to ESD? ("TD 4.1.2 " or "TD 4.12.2") . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 How to select the VCL? (what is the maximum transient voltage accepted by my circuit and if
I can assume the maximum absolute voltage of my ICs or is there a better approach to
follow?) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.5 Which ST specific part do you recommend to protect the RF port of a transceiver working at
868 MHz with 14 dBm output power? (it must have very low capacitance and low clampling
voltage). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.6 What about protecting a power line? (VBUS in USB on slide 37 of our expert webinar) . . . . . 3

1.7 Which part do you recommend for protecting 12 V DC outputs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.8 Which ESD protection component do you recommend when differential current
measurement is used ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.9 Do we need ESD for the RS-485 transceivers or is it included? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.10 Do I need additional ESD protection if I use digital isolators for I/Os (like Si86xx)? . . . . . . . . 3
1.11 Can I use the circuits for PSpice simulations and real test setups or is something missing
(ST webinar p.11)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.12 Is the track on the PCB from the ESD source to the ESD protection device rated for the
ESD maximum discharge current defined by the ESD level required?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.13 Have ST all PSpice models of their porfolio?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.14 How do you connect the shield of the connector to the PCB?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.15 Should we connect ESD protection ground to 0 V or GND? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.16 Where is the current going on slide 17 of our EMC expert webinar? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.17 Is it really necessary to provide external ESD protection in case of no ESD protection for
GPIO pins of a microcontroller built in? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.18 Can you explain why ESD protection is needed with a USB-C connector housed in a plastic
case? Because of the shield ground all around the USB contacts (VBUS and signals) it is
impossible to touch contacts directly with a finger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.19 Are there other types of ESD protection without using TVS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.20 When the use of TVS is not enough for protection (for example when voltage or current is
exceeded), do you recommend serial resistor or other type of components? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.21 Can TVS diode and Zener diode be in parallel (Zener to protect from DC overvoltage and
TVS to protect from transients)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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Contents

1.22 Are there any easier rules to apply to choose the key parameters? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.23 Regarding on the question about protecting a IO power line (slide 37), the decoupling
capacitor also lowers the voltage when a charge is injected, but are there specific
requirements for this capacitor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.24 If I choose for the next version the ESDLIN1524BJ close to input current, can I place it at
power inputs also to protect voltage regulators? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.25 Is there any protection related to LEDs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.26 What affordable and cheap ESD gun can you recommend? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.27 What would you recommend for clothing when handling ESD sensitive devices? . . . . . . . . . 5
1.28 In terms of ESD certification of an electronic circuit board, can you recommend a provider of
this service in France? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.29 Can you tell something about protection during soldering (ie: solder connector wires to a
board)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.30 How do you protect multiple MCU pins that do not go outside the PCB and is it necessary?
(boards can be completely damaged from accidental touching of a PCB pad) . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.31 Is it possible to expose my problem with an application engineer in next days?. . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.32 How do you measure ESD signals? Do you use scopes? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.33 Can I use a Zener diode to clamp an ESD over-voltage? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.34 Is a 30 kV ESD diode better for protection?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.35 How can I select the ESD protection based on my IC electrical parameters?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.36 I need to populate different interfaces with ESD protection, can I use the same ESD
protection for all these interfaces? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.37 Is external ESD protection needed for CDM (charged device model)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.38 What is exactly the VRM parameter of an ESD protection and what is it good for?. . . . . . . . . 6

1.39 What does is meant with snap-back ESD protection? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.40 How can we calculate the ESD protection level? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.41 I am designing proximity sensor for the factory automation applications compliant with EN
60947-5-2 standard. The proximity sensor is classic 3 wire design and I am searching for
transient and overvoltage protection compact solution. Is there anything from ST ? . . . . . . . 7
1.42 Is an external ESD protection is needed for CDM (Charged Device Model)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.43 Are there other types of ESD protection without using TVS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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